Name: Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 Italian sausage links (20 oz.), mild or spicy; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 large bell peppers (one red, and one yellow or green), cored and sliced; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 1 large roma tomato, halved and sliced; 3 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth, then more to taste; 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (grated with a rasp grater); Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that bursts with flavor—and that’s exactly what this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe delivers. It’s colorful, fragrant, and surprisingly easy to pull together, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or casual weekend treat.

A white pan filled with slices of browned sausage mixed with strips of yellow and red bell peppers and softened white onions, all coated in a rich red sauce with fresh green herbs sprinkled on top, including basil leaves placed in the center. The pan sits on a green cloth on a white marbled surface surrounded by four light brown bread rolls, a wooden spoon, and a small white bowl with chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first time I made this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe, I knew it would become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a warm, flavorful dish that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both hearty and fresh.

One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup means you get more time to enjoy your meal, not wash dishes.
Flavorful and colorful: The combination of bell peppers, garlic, and herbs gives a vibrant taste and look that’s just as delightful on the plate as it is to eat.
Customizable heat level: Whether you like it mild or spicy, you control how much kick goes into the dish.
Versatile serving options: Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or even in hoagie buns for an easy sandwich twist.

The image shows seven small sandwich rolls arranged on a white scalloped plate over a green cloth on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a golden toasted bun sliced open and filled with several pieces of browned sausage slices, sautéed red and yellow bell pepper strips, and lightly cooked onions. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled evenly on top of the sandwiches and around the plate. The sandwiches look juicy with a mix of warm yellow, red, brown, and green colors. A single plain sandwich roll sits outside the plate on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a starring role in this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe. Italian sausage brings juicy, savory depth, while the combo of bell peppers and onions adds sweetness and crunch. Acid from balsamic vinegar and tomato paste balances the richness beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh Italian sausage links with natural casings, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, two vibrant bell peppers—one red and one yellow—sliced into rings, a large yellow onion thinly sliced, a small white bowl filled with deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of finely minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl containing bright red crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of clear low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of dark balsamic vinegar, a ripe Roma tomato halved and sliced, a small white bowl of freshly chopped bright green basil leaves, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl filled with finely shredded pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh basil for garnish—all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian sausage: Opt for mild or spicy depending on your taste. I love using links for that juicy bite, but sliced sausage works too.
Olive oil: This helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies with a subtle fruity finish.
Bell peppers: Using two colors (like red and yellow) adds brightness and natural sweetness.
Yellow onion: It brings a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that pairs so well with peppers.
Tomato paste: This deepens the sauce’s flavor and adds a bit of body to the skillet.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is key for that fragrant aromatic punch.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add just the right amount of heat if you like a little spice.
Chicken broth: Low sodium keeps the dish flavorful without being salty, plus it thins the sauce perfectly.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and sweetness that brightens every bite.
Roma tomato: Fresh slices bring juiciness and a slight freshness to the sauce.
Fresh basil and dried oregano: These herbs give an Italian-inspired flair and wonderful aroma.
Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that melts into the sauce and adds umami richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or spice level I’m craving. It’s one of those dishes that really welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: Once, I swapped out the Italian sausage for spicy chorizo and added smoked paprika — the smoky, spicy twist was a hit with guests!
Vegetarian option: You can try vegan sausage or hearty mushrooms if you want to keep it meat-free.
Seasonal swap: During late summer, I throw in some fresh cherry tomatoes or even a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage links and let them brown on all sides — this usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. Don't rush this step; the browning adds flavor and texture. Once they’re golden, transfer them to a plate but keep that rendered fat in the pan because that’s pure flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch — you want them vibrant, not mushy.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Let that cook for about a minute so the garlic becomes fragrant and tomato paste deepens in flavor. Then add the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, roma tomato slices, fresh basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Pop the sausages back into the skillet, nestling them into the pepper mixture. Bring everything to a simmer, then turn the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until sausages reach 160°F inside and the peppers are nice and tender. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Toss

Remove the sausages and let them rest a few minutes on a cutting board covered loosely with foil. Keep the pepper mixture warm with the lid on. Slice the sausages, return them to the skillet, and sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently until the cheese melts and coats the sausage and peppers. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Top Tip

After making this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe a dozen times, here are some of my favorite tricks that take it from good to great.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Browning the sausages properly means they’ll have a better crust and richer flavor. Crowding steams them instead, so give them space.
Use a sharp knife for slicing: When you slice the sausage after resting, a sharp knife will keep the pieces intact and juicy.
Keep extra broth on hand: It’s super easy to adjust the sauce consistency throughout cooking, so add liquid gradually.
Fresh herbs matter: I always toss in fresh basil at the end — it lifts the whole dish and makes it feel fresh and bright.

How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe

sausage and peppers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Sometimes, I add an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for those who just can’t get enough cheesy goodness. A drizzle of good olive oil before serving adds a nice glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is pretty versatile. I often serve it with creamy polenta or buttered pasta to soak up that tangy sauce. On busier nights, even crusty bread or a simple side salad pairs well to round things out without fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, I like to serve the sausage and peppers in hoagie buns with a little provolone melted on top for an easy sandwich. Another time, I plated it over cheesy mashed potatoes with a spoonful of the pepper sauce drizzled over — it was a hit at a family dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully in portion-sized containers just after the sausage is sliced and mixed back in. When thawed, some of the peppers soften a bit more, but the overall flavor still shines.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but stirring halfway through helps keep everything evenly heated without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked sausage for the Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe?

Yes! If you use pre-cooked sausage, slice it and add it during the simmering step to heat through and absorb flavors. You’ll save time and still get a tasty meal.

What’s the best way to thin the sauce if it gets too thick?

Adding more low-sodium chicken broth a little at a time works best. You can also use water or even a splash of white wine if you prefer. Stir gently and simmer briefly until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your sausage for any added fillers or spices that contain gluten. Serve with gluten-free sides or buns to keep it completely gluten-free.

How spicy is this Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe?

You can adjust the spiciness easily by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage and controlling the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch and add more if you want extra heat!

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Pepper Skillet Recipe is one of those meals I never tire of making because it feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. The flavors are bright, the sausage juicy, and the peppers just tender enough. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—just like I do. So grab your skillet and your favorite sausages, and let’s get cooking!